Lisa Regina will never forget that afternoon in early April 2005 when a New York City ambulance delivered her to the emergency room at Beth Israel Hospital, where she was treated for injuries resulting from an attack by a violent man.

This was no random act, however, and the assailant was no stranger. The man was Regina's boyfriend, and that day she became a victim of domestic violence -- the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 across the United States.

Fear has long silenced many of these victims, mostly women but sometimes men, who suffer alone, feeling alienated and embarrassed by the trauma they've experienced. But Regina is giving the victims of domestic violence a voice -- a loud one.

Staff photo by Tim HawkSouth Jersey native Lisa Regina, right, claps with the Voices of Mount Pisgah choir, during a rehearsal for "A Write to Heal." Regina is the writer, director and performer in the play -- a collection of short stories, poems and music emerging from the true writings of domestic violence survivors.

The South Jersey native and graduate of New York University's theater department is blowing open the doors on the overwhelming health issue in her stage performance "A Write to Heal" -- scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday March 16 at Sterling High School.

"I was struggling with physical and emotional pain," said Regina, who couldn't move from bed following the assault and initially went to individual counseling three times a week. "As a writer and performer, it only made sense to use my writing as a way to articulate my pain."

Comprised of a collection of stories, poems and songs, the performance promises to educate the audience on issues surrounding domestic violence, describe why it's difficult for women to extricate themselves from their situations, raise awareness and offer resources.

"It's really enabled me to speak out, not just for myself, but for all women who really don't have a voice, who are living in fear in an abusive relationship or marriage."

The characters will be portrayed by working New York City actresses, donating their time and talent for a cause to which they are passionately committed.

"People are going to be moved by the music and lyrics, feel uncomfortable, wiggle in their seats listening to stories and peeking into people's lives, and laugh, because comedy is a great way to address a serious issue," said Regina, who coaches acting in New York City.

Several women who inspired the performance will be in the audience, said Regina, noting they would be impacted by the content as well as other attendees who have been victimized.

"Sometimes you are so tangled in it, you don't have the clarity," Regina said. "When you step back and view it from a distance, it can enable you to make a change."

Many people question why women being mistreated don't just leave. But deciding to leave a physically, emotionally or verbally abusive relationship is not that simple.

"There are many forms of manipulation," Regina explained. "Abusers use things as tools to keep a hold on or control over a partner."

Women may be made to believe they can't afford to leave, worry they don't have enough education, wonder what it would mean for their children, feel nervous about their immigration status and most of all fear for their own safety.

"When a woman does decide to leave, it's the most dangerous and frightening time. It's crippling because of the violence they're already experienced."

Such intense feelings flowed out of Regina when she began stream-of-consciousness writing as part of counseling. As she added to it, the words began to take shape as a larger sort of spoken-word creation.

Her protest poem was met with awe during group counseling sessions, where women were so moved they expressed their own desire to communicate their feelings on paper.

Each week, nearly a dozen women come together in New York City to write, share stories and give and receive support. It also serves as a resource to guide women toward health and legal services.

The group's Web site presents an alternate venue for women to express themselves safely and anonymously. Still in therapy, Regina noted the creative healing program enhances, not replaces, professional treatment.

"Meeting these women and hearing their stories, it has raised awareness for me personally," Regina said. "I started to see faces reflective of the great numbers, the diversity of women of different ethnicities, social and economic status."

For Regina, the tremendous response both the group and performance have received represents an evolution of collective traumatic experiences into a powerful opportunity to educate the masses.

Various groups, including the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women, have not only shown support but expressed interest in integrating writing into their programs.

The show's July debut, two performances at the 90-seat Center Stage Theater in midtown Manhattan, sold out and received standing ovations.

"It was the first time I stood up and spoke out," Regina said. "It was difficult, but empowering."

Filomena's Restaurant on Almonesson Road in Deptford is inviting mayors from Camden and Gloucester County to an awareness-building dinner (donated by the establishment) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15. Mayors can R.S.V.P. at (646) 514-2820.
Genesis Counseling Centers, based in Collingswood and Mount Laurel, is holding a support session after the performance on March 16 to address any issues the audience may have as well as provide resources for area residents.

"That's why I'm bringing it home -- to my family, my friends, my community -- because this happened to me," Regina said. "Mayors, principals and social workers need to know people are struggling on a daily basis."

Still going through the legal matters surrounding her own experience, Regina is working toward a domestic violence certification and is committed to spreading the word and changing the world.

"Change can only come if we start to speak out," Regina said. "You can't put a blanket over it. It's here and it's real."

If you go
"A Write to Heal" by Lisa Regina, a stage performance to raise awareness on domestic violence,, will take place 7 p.m., Friday, March 16 at Sterling High School, 501 S. Warwick Road, Somerdale.

Admission is $10 and tickets are available by calling (646) 514-2820 or at the door. For more information visit http://www.awritetoheal.com.